Graduating culinary trainees taking a group photo alongside Isaiah (middle row, standing seventh from right) and representatives from MAH and Tropicana Academy. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
Culinary initiative for the disabled comes with job placements in Klang Valley
PREPARING people with disabilities for careers might be challenging, but it isn’t impossible.
One programme geared towards this is HRDCorp’s Program Latihan Madani.
Its initiative for people with disabilities saw 25 students undertaking five days of culinary training at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The training, in collaboration with Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), was provided by Tropicana Academy.
Guest of honour Senator Isaiah Jacob, who represents the interests of the disabled, said the programme was to provide people with disabilities opportunities, training and solutions.
“This will prepare them to get a job in the hotel industry.
“The students came in with fear and anxiety but within the five days, they had grown in confidence,” he said.
Advising parents to allow their special children to gain experience, Isaiah said, “I know every parent tries to be protective out of love, but when you are no longer there, who is going to care for your child?”
“My humble request to parents is, give them the freedom.
“There are many opportunities for them; allow them to choose and allow them to be involved.”
Tropicana Academy executive director Datuk Michael Leong said as the programme was linked with Australian universities, the students could pursue further education overseas.
The 25 students will be placed in jobs at hotels around the Klang Valley.
Farah Wahida Wahid, 41, who suffers from spinal cord injury, said, “Our group is somewhat marginalised in the hospitality industry due to physical limitations.
“We appreciate the efforts of the organisers for providing us with the chance to work and build a career through this culinary programme.”
Parent Voon Ban Li, 57, said the programme could be improved by separating those with physical and mental disabilities.
Voon, however, said the programme had helped with his child’s development and confidence in approaching people.
